She nods.
“If you know that she knows, and she’s your friend, why can’t you just tell me?”
“That’s not how favors work,” she tsks.
“Well, you’re supposed to be on our side. That information is incredibly important.”
“You can save your sister without this information. But if I give you this information without the bargain, it will result in the death of my friend. I would be betraying her to help you. In that case, I’d rather aid you in saving your sister another way. If someone must die, let it be strangers, not friends.”
I frown. I don’t like that solution either. “Okay, so this person can tell me how to end the games for good, but I have to help her, without telling Jarron?”
“Correct.”
“I have a few more questions.”
She holds out her hand, as if waiting impatiently.
“Will helping her hurt anyone else?”
She narrows her eyes. “No one innocent.”
I purse my lips. Interesting answer.
“How you choose to help her is up to you, but you must promise not to harm her in the process of this war and fight against the Akrasia Games.”
“Are you going to make me swear?”
She jerks her head back. “Heavens no. Could you imagine what Jarron would do to me? No, this is a promise between allies. If for some reason, you cannot own up to your side of the bargain and my friend is harmed by your actions, I will be extremely displeased. But in truth, I care more about your well-being than hers. If you are harmed, Jarron will kill me. If you are harmed, I will lose the influence I’ve worked hard to gain. So, no, a vow would be counterproductive, as it would increase your risk. This deal will be a gentlewomen’s agreement and nothing more.”
Okay, I like that answer.
I examine her for a few beats, excitement building slowly. My body knows my answer before I do.
“All right, I’m in.”
Manuela’s grin turns feline, smooth and pleased. “I will set up the meeting for my next scheduled shift as your protector. That’s three days from now. We will do it during classes, so you won’t be noticed missing.”
“Wait, where am I meeting her?”
She holds out her hand, her smile remaining firm, but she gives no indication of answering that question. My stomach sinks. She’s going to make me walk through a portal, isn’t she?
I let that fear press on my chest for a few moments before I make my choice.Use my fear, but don’t let it control me.
I shake her hand.
“I’m very pleased to be doing business with you, princess.”
16
Orizian Studies
“Nimsete, Candice.”
My gaze rises from my textbook to find a red-skinned demon with black horns bowed to me, standing in the entryway to the speakeasy.
“Nimsete, Professor Zyair.” I smile. This is only the second time I’ve met with him since my seclusion began.
“How are your independent studies going?”
